Difference Between Diction and Syntax

The main difference between diction and syntax is that diction is the optimal selection of words for the context while syntax is the perfect arrangement and alignment of words according to grammatical rules.

Diction vs Syntax

Choosing words carefully and appropriately is called diction, while the arrangement or positioning of words is called syntax. The lists of level of formality, language, etc. They are related to speech. On the other hand, subject-verb agreement, word order, etc. are relevant to the syntax.

The purpose of diction is to communicate and share a specific message or create a particular writing style, while the purpose of syntax is to make grammatically correct sentences by paying attention to order, arrangement, words, clauses, and phrases. Diction is just the passing of words that will refer to the idea, but syntax is the actual message delivered to describe the relationships between terms and syntactic rules.

When diction refers to word comprehension, syntax refers to the structure and framework of the sentence. Diction can be classified into high, medium and low. On the other hand, the length of the sentence and the focus of its structure are implied by the syntax.

Diction does not clarify either the simplicity or the complexity of the sentence structure, while the syntax involves defining the simplicity or complication of the sentence structure. Diction is writing, while syntax is like a social contract to describe each grammatical sentence or its proper application.

Comparison chart

What is diction?

Diction is generally defined as the choice of words. The main idea to which it refers is the clarity of speech. The choice of words must be such that an ordinary man can understand it efficiently without any difficulty.

Diction refers to the proper consideration of words as well as the clarity of pronunciation, which means that the terms must be offered clearly so that the next person can understand them efficiently and effectively.

Since speakers use a formal or informal way of speaking, authors also make conscious and unconscious word choices. Diction is a masterpiece of literature, which has many aspects of the author‘s views in different operational forms.

Diction mainly differentiates good writing from bad writing. Diction is based on several factors, including the straightness and correctness of words, the appropriateness of words according to the context in which they are used, and the proper choice of words so that they can be easily understood by the reader or listener.

To communicate and share your thoughts, you must use proper diction, which is the proper use of words. Incorrect representation and use of words can cause mutations in what you mean and what you say, resulting in total misrepresentation.

Types

The use of appropriate, sophisticated and polite language without jargon is called formal diction. Formal diction is primarily seen in business documentation, professional manuscripts, and legal credentials. “I am very grateful to you, sir”, shows the example of formal diction.

The conversational and colloquial form of communication without jargon is called informal diction. This casual diction represents people’s communication in real life. “Hey buddy! Wat’s going on”, displays informal language and the use of slang. Therefore, this is an example of informal diction.

Other examples are pedantic diction, colloquial diction, slang diction, abstract diction, concrete diction, and poetic diction, etc.

What is syntax?

The complete set of rules in languages ​​is called syntax. Describes the pattern of using syntactic regulations and parts of speech to put all the words together to convey the whole idea or concept.

In simple words, syntax is an effective arrangement of words. The main purpose of using syntax in context is to make sentences grammatically correct, to express the author‘s creativity, and to maintain a balance of words.

The syntax ensures that words are balanced in a sentence and a parallel structure is followed. that is, “he likes to watch television, do laundry, and run errands.” In this example, a parallel arrangement of an infinitive is used with all verbs, which balances the entire sentence.

Syntax refers to punctuation or pronunciation, the length of a sentence, and mainly the concentration of the sentence. A speaker can use any type of sentence, which can be simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex sentences.

If the author writes long sentences, it is said that he wants to create his massive impression and show off his mastery of language using syntax.

examples

• Agreement: He is an ideal person. Vs. I am an ideal person.
• Case: It made me feel ashamed. Vs. It made me feel ashamed.
• Reflexive pronouns: I wrote this letter myself. Vs. I wrote this letter my.
• Word order: We play basketball for a snack. Vs. Basketball, we play soft drinks.

Key differences

1. Diction is a complete set of word choice, while syntax is a complete set of idioms.
2. Diction involves a variety of words to affect the reader, while syntax has syntactical rules to follow grammatical errors and balance the sentence frame.
3. The diction has three levels, high, medium and low to distribute the words in three categories; on the other hand, the only level of syntax involves the magnanimity and intensity of the sentence.
4. The author‘s choice of words to express his thoughts expressively and intensely is called diction. On the other hand, the balancing structure of sentences is called syntax.
5. Diction includes the use of vocabulary to improve writing skills and make the statement easy to understand, while syntax is sentence construction that puts emphasis, or slower or faster speed.
6. Diction is the careful use and application of words to convey correct information and avoid misrepresentation, while syntax is about placing parallel ideas in sentences and making them understandable.

Final Thought

The careful collection and selection of words to interpret an idea is called diction, while the perfect positioning and orientation of words in a grammatically correct way is called syntax.